Monthly Archives: November 2018

Suicide Prevention Campaign Coming To Putnam County

11/29/18 – 7:14 A.M.

An effort to combat growing suicide numbers around the nation is coming to Putnam County Friday. The Putnam County Sentinel reports all high school students in the county will attend assemblies designed to address the issue.

The sessions will feature Kevin Hines, a well-known speaker about suicide. Hines attempted to take his own life by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. He has since worked to promote mental health awareness.

Students from Fort Jennings, Ottoville, Kalida, and Continental will attend a morning session in Ft. Jennings. Ottawa-Glandorf will host students from Pandora-Gilboa, Columbus Grove, Leipsic, and Miller City in the afternoon.

MORE: Putnam County Sentinel

Former Cloverdale Mayor Sentenced In Domestic Violence Case

11/29/18 – 6:49 A.M.

The former mayor of a Putnam County village will spend a few days in jail. The Lima News reports Common Pleas Court Judge Keith Schierloh sentenced Judd Spencer of Cloverdale to 180 days in jail with 175 days suspended during a Wednesday hearing. Spencer will also have to submit to breathalyzers, maintain employment, and pay a $500 fine.

The state charged Spencer with domestic violence and using a weapon while intoxicated following a May 7 incident. Spencer’s lawyer said Spencer got into an argument and slashed tires on his truck so his wife couldn’t use it.

MORE: Lima News

Findlay Collecting Leaves Again On Monday

11/29/18 – 5:30 A.M.

Findlay will collect leaves again next week. To get rid of your leaves, you’ll need to have them in biodegradable paper bags and at the curb by 7 a.m. Monday. You can get biodegradable bags at local hardware and building supply stores as well as at some grocery stores.

You can also drop leaves off at the green waste site at 350 West High Street at no charge. The site is open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. It will close for the season on December 8th.

Former McComb Police Officer Facing Several Charges

11/29/18 – 5:24 A.M.

A former McComb police officer is facing several charges in a fraud and forgery case. 26-year-old Evan Ramge faces five counts of insurance fraud and six counts of forgery. The state has also charged him with grand theft and telecommunication fraud.

Investigators say Ramge falsely claimed a drone, jewelry, and a thermal imaging weapon sight got lost or damaged. He then allegedly forged appraisals for the items to get insurance money. The state says Ramge committed the alleged crimes between May and August of last year in Findlay.

MORE: Why a special prosecutor is handling the case.

UPDATE: Findlay Reaches Settlement With Formerly Fired Police Officer

11/29/18 – 5:13 A.M.
UPDATED – 3:28 P.M. Initial reports said the city was paying $63,000

Findlay will pay a police officer around $277,000 in back pay, fees, and Medicare taxes following his reinstatement last year. City attorneys and Sgt. David Hill agreed to the deal late last month. The city fired Hill in 2013 following three disciplinary issues. Hill appealed his firing, and the Ohio Supreme Court eventually ruled in his favor in May of 2017.

Hill returned to his position as a sergeant with the Findlay Police Department last year, the same rank as when he left.

Findlay Law Director Don Rasmussen has not said how much the legal battle cost the city.

MORE: The reasons the police department fired Hill five years ago.

City Mission Of Findlay Meets With Findlay City Council Again To Discuss Funding

11/28/18 – 9:47 P.M.

Findlay City Council learned more about the City Mission of Findlay’s request for $50,000 during a Wednesday meeting. City Mission executive director Joy Barger explained that more people are using the services more than they were ready for.

Joy Barger

Barger said the money would help cover emergency services.

Joy BargerCity Mission

Some members of council expressed concern about funding a religion-based organization. Barger assured council that while the City Mission is a religiously-founded organization, the emergency services they offer do not have any religious criteria.

Nationwide Foundation Presents New Ad Campaign To Combat The Opioid Epidemic

11/28/18 – 8:55 P.M.

The Nationwide Foundation stopped in Findlay to talk about their “Denial, Ohio” campaign that raises awareness of the opioid epidemic. Foundation president Chad Jester explained that they are using social media to reach local communities.

Chad Jester

Jester said that the campaign advertisements show people living in “Denial, Ohio” and how they are oblivious to the epidemic or believe it can’t affect them. . He added that they help provide ways for people to help like talking to the younger generation…

Chad Jester

The presentation was well attended. Several area organizations were represented including the United Way of Hancock County, the ADMAHS Board, and Focus.

North Baltimore Students To Get Access To E-Books

11/28/18 – 7:36 A.M.

North Baltimore students will be able to pull up library books on their electronic devices soon. High School Principal Bob Falkenstein says the North Baltimore Public Library will offer all students “E-cards” with PIN numbers and usernames. With that information, kids can read books using their phones, Kindles, Chromebooks or through an app called OverDrive.

MORE: North Baltimore issues supplemental contracts for employees.

Putnam County Library Offering Tech Lessons

11/28/18 – 7:30 A.M.

If you’re a bit of a technophobe the Putnam County District Library wants to help ease your fears. The library and its branches are offering lessons on how to better use laptops, tablets, Kindles, iPads, smartphones and MP3 players in December.

Sessions are 30 minutes each. You can call 419-523-3747 for an appointment.